How Water Damage Can Bring Bacteria to Your Home

Mold can grow when even a little humidity is introduced, and water damage can introduce devastating amounts of humidity. Bacteria grows in warm, wet environments, so you’d better understand and prepare for it. Understanding how water damage introduces into your home bacteria is important. If you’re facing post-storm water damage, watch out. Your home may be at risk for bacteria growth.

Humidity and Mold Growth

Mold grows in wet environments. Unfortunately, homes experiencing heavy rainfall, broken drainage systems, or even air humidity are at risk. When mold grows, it releases spores frequently. These spores can enter a home’s various areas, becoming difficult to target and remove.

Spores are small, and they often exist in big numbers. Normally, the spores themselves don’t cause problems. They can, however, grow uncontrollably if a home’s moisture isn’t taken care of. If a mold spore lands in any stagnant water, an entire mold growth can form. While mold can be visible on different surface, it’s often hidden until it’s developed completely.

Bacteria Growth

Bacteria, too, can grow in humid environments. Normally, it grows alongside—or even inside—mold. Stenotrophomonas and Mycobacterium are the most common, though a variety of bacteria types hitchhike and prosper around mold growth.

These microorganisms can be inhaled accidentally, creating health issues. You may even develop an infection if you come into contact with them. Also, those suffering from asthma and allergies are at risk. Pets, children and the elderly are at a particularly high risk. If mold growth becomes unmanageable, a high number of bacteria organisms may be present—resulting in extreme health hazards.

When Should You Take Action?

It’s important to take action before mold growth becomes uncontrollable. Technicians with the right expertise can help and they’re highly trained in both mold and bacteria removal. A plumbing disaster, a weak foundation, or even a leaky faucet can contribute to mold and bacteria growth.

Because mold can grow unexpectedly, you’ll need to target behind-the-scenes areas. Again, large mold patches can be targeted and removed. There may still be hidden mold sections. If your property has been damaged by water, you shouldn’t wait for a convenient cleanup time. Secondary mold damage can pose serious health risks, and mold spores can contribute to asthma problems.

Ideally, you should act within 24 to 48 hours. After this window, any mold growths can multiply rapidly. If a home’s mold growth is widespread, professional mold remediation services are needed. A property needs to be completely dried, too, making water extraction a necessity.

Protecting Your Assets Before Cleanup

If you’ve experienced water damage, and if you’re contacting professional help, you should protect your home’s assets. Moisture can seep into your upholstery and furniture, saturating them. If this happens, it’ll be difficult to target and remove any mold growth.

Remove any furniture and attempt to dry it immediately. Any wood surfaces should be treated promptly. Unfortunately, mold growth inside wooden surfaces is incredibly difficult to remove. If these surfaces aren’t dried quickly, any mold growth may go unnoticed. It may also result in permanent damage.

Contact a Water Damage Restoration Team Today

It’s a good idea to reach out before it’s too late. Zona Restoration technicians have the tools and experience needed to prevent bacteria growth before it occurs. They can also teach you prevention tactics to reduce the chance of long-term damage. If you’ve experienced water damage recently, don’t hesitate. Stop the growth before it’s too late.